- Have you become preoccupied with sex and/or pornography to the point of obsession?
- Have you lost control over sexual behaviors despite promises to yourself and others to stop?
- Are you experiencing relationship instability, emotional turmoil, diminished career or academic performance, declining physical health or financial woes?
If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions (adapted from Dr. Robert Weiss), I can help you change the addictive cycle and create a serene, joyful life.
For many recovering from sex addiction, the therapeutic process enables them to experience true intimacy in their relationships for the first time. I can review options for treatment with you in a safe, confidential setting. You have choices.
Benefits of treatment often include:
*improved relationships
*better communication
*distress tolerance
*healthy sexuality
*relapse prevention
*transforming inner dialogue
I understand it can be overwhelming to begin this process, so my therapeutic approach extends a warm, safe and structured space to openly address any areas of concern. I am a sex-positive, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). I am also a Trauma Informed Practitioner, trained in EMDR and other trauma treatment modalities. I also have training in EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy).
My passion is to help people restore relational, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wholeness to their lives. Changing old, limiting patterns takes courage, and having a therapist with the right blend of compassion, insight and humor can be a valuable ally on the road to transformation.
For more information on services I provide (including individual, couples counseling and/or group therapy), please call 510.394.2209 for a free 20 minute phone consultation or visit me at: www.innerwisdomnow.com
What is sexual addiction?
According to The Meadows, the term ‘sexual addiction’ describes an individual having an unusual fascination with or fixation on sex. Preoccupation about sex takes over and controls an addict’s thinking, making it difficult to work effectively or manage healthy personal relationships. Despite the possibility that their actions may eventually carry harmful consequences, sex addicts often indulge in a variety of high-risk, acting-out behaviors.
What are the effects of sexual addiction?
For people struggling with compulsive sexual thoughts or behavior, life can be fraught with anxiety. Many who get caught up in compulsive sexual behaviors find themselves leading a “double life” with the terror of being caught, combined with a profound sense of shame. Perhaps the person grew up with a deep sense of feeing “not good enough” or defective. Giving in to the compulsive behaviors may medicate or shield one from difficult feelings temporarily, but soon the painful feelings return (often compounded with guilt and shame), and the compulsivity kicks in again. Often a sense of hopelessness sets in when an individual realizes that one’s best efforts to stop the behavior are clearly not working.
When is a behavior a “problem” to be monitored and when is it an addiction?
Some important questions to ask are, “Am I experiencing life-damaging consequences that are adversely affecting my work, finances, self-esteem, or relationships? Am I risking something that’s important to me (relationship, job, possible legal or health problems)? Can I stop if and when I want to?” Working with a skilled, compassionate therapist can assist with healing, insight, and developing new and life-affirming patterns of behavior.
I have offices in Berkeley in the Elmwood neighborhood, and in Oakland near Lake Merritt. I work with adults in both individual therapy and couples work. Specializing in sex addiction therapy in Berkeley and Oakland.